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Lions avoid superpowers

England were amongst the top seeds which meant they avoided European superpowers Germany, as well as France who have a very strong record in women's european youth football.

Of England's opponents, The Netherlands are through to the second qualifying round having not dropped a point or conceded a goal in their mini-tournament in Poland.

The Netherlands secured a 2-0 win against Azerbaijan in Zawiercie on the opening day, defeated Greece 3-0 and then two Lisanne Grimberg goals meant the Netherlands triumphed 2-0 over Poland in their final qualifier.

The Czech Republic progressed from their group as winners after a draw against Spain and victories over Italy and Belarus, whilst Belgium were group runners-up to Finland, defeating Estonia and the Faroe Islands, but losing to the Finns 3-1.

Scotland and Republic of Ireland are in the same strong group alongside France and Norway.

Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and Poland make up Group 3, with Finland, Iceland, Denmark and Russia in Group 4.

The mini-tournaments take place in April 2008, with the four group winners going through to the finals in May.

The championship's eventual winners, runners-up and third-placed side will qualify for the first FIFA U17 Women's World Cup, to be held in New Zealand during Autumn 2008.